EFCC chair tasks varsities on use of AI

By Christopher Oji

The Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has urged universities across Nigeria to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their ethical and financial management systems.

Olukoyede made the call in Kano on April 28, 2026, during a keynote address at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities in Nigeria (COPSUN). Describing AI as a necessary defence, he warned that Nigerian universities must not be left behind in the global shift toward technology-driven governance. He noted that universities manage multi-billion-naira budgets, yet accountability issues persist.

“The EFCC has investigated cases involving inflated contracts, ghost workers, and diverted students’ fees… each representing a betrayal of public trust,” he said.

He stressed that institutions lacking accountability cannot produce ethical professionals, adding that AI offers tools for fraud detection, automated auditing, payroll integrity, procurement oversight, and academic integrity.

Olukoyede cited “Operation Eagle Flush” (December 2024), where the EFCC arrested 792 suspects linked to cyber fraud.

He urged governing councils to establish AI and Digital Governance Committees, invest in infrastructure, and adopt ethical frameworks for AI use.

However, he cautioned that technology alone is insufficient without integrity among users.

“The fight against corruption is a national project… integrity will lead Nigeria to greatness,” he said.